resources

An interactive mapping platform that allows users to zoom in on subwatersheds and create detailed maps.

This interactive website by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) includes story map features and information on goals and actions in the Western Lake Erie Basin. Additional information and links are available on ISDA's Western Lake Erie Basin page. 

This report provides the recommended updates to phosphorus load targets for Lake Erie, based on several models and consideration of other factors that affect Lake Erie water quality.

The extent and severity of algal blooms in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) are correlated with the amount of nutrients (nutrient load) entering the WLEB from the Maumee River. Measurements of nutrient concentrations in the Maumee River are collected by Heidelberg University and combined with USGS measurements of Maumee River flow to calculate daily nutrient loads.

The Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) provides a HABs Data Portal in collaboration with a suite of western Lake Erie partners. In this initial stage, the page provides access to real-time data from stations around the Western Lake Erie Basin, including measurements of temperature, specific conductivity, turbidity, pH, chlorophyll and blue green algae. Upcoming enhancements will add access to grab sample data, satellite imagery, hydrodynamic model results, and meteorological observations.

Heidelberg University’s National Center for Water Quality Research collects and analyzes approximately 450-500 water samples for pollutants at each monitoring station each year. From that information it calculates annual pollutant loads from each station and the loads of nutrients, sediments and pesticides delivered to Lake Erie or the Ohio River.

The role of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission is to preserve Lake Erie’s natural resources, to protect the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and to promote economic development of the region by ensuring the coordination of policies and programs of state government pertaining to water quality, toxic substances, and coastal resource management. Their website provides a variety of information and links of the health of Lake Erie.